The Uto ni Yalo has arrived in Tonga for the 53rd Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting following a challenging week at sea. The crew brought with them a message aligned with the 2024 Pacific Islands Forum theme, “Transformative Resilient Pasifiki: Build Better Now,” emphasizing peace, prosperity, and resilience.
This voyage exemplified traditional navigational practices, sustainable maritime transport, and the importance of ocean health. Margaret Tabunakawai-Vakalalabure, Chair of Uto Ni Yalo Trustees, highlighted the difficulties faced during the journey, drawing parallels to the broader challenges confronting Pacific Regionalism, and called for collective efforts to improve the welfare of the Pacific and its inhabitants.
The arrival of the Uto ni Yalo underscored the necessity for sustainable management of ocean resources, as leaders engaged in discussions regarding the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent. While in Nuku’alofa, the Uto ni Yalo interacted with Pacific leaders and local communities to address significant issues.
The voyage conveyed a vital message: the ocean, regarded as an Ocean of Peace, creates connections among islands and warrants respect. Ian Chute from Blue Prosperity Fiji emphasized the significance of sustainable ocean management and regional collaboration.
This journey received support from various organizations, including the Waitt Institute, Blue Prosperity Coalition, Oceans 5, and Greenpeace Australia Pacific.